Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Surprise news from Israel: IBA has been shut down. The closing of the 49 years old broadcaster has been in the air for a long time and was originally ment to happen April 30. The Eurovision song contest however was in the way as it would have made Israel unable to participate. Last night in the TV-news it was announced they will shut down immediately, except for 20 staff members who will take care of the Eurovision song contest semifinal and the Grand final broadcasts on Thursday and Saturday, the rest of the programming both on radio and television is suspended and shut down.  The new broascaster KAN will take over on Monday May 15. So, what does this all mean to Israeli's future participation? KAN is not an EBU member and with its current programming plans won't be able to be one. It's goal is to be an entertainment channel and broadcaster rather than a general one that has also news etc. For an EBU member it's mandatory to broadcast and have also its own news ...

Israel participated in the Eurovision for the first time 40 years ago. Since then they have collected three wins, two second places and one third place. This year IBA organizes after a break again the national final Kdam and turns it into Melodifestivalen: three semifinals each with ten songs on Fenruary 24, 25 and 26 and top-3 qualifying for the final. The songs that places 4th and 5th will have a 2nd chance on March 3. Out of these six songs one will access the final. The final with ten songs wil take place on March 7. There will be 30/70 jury/televote. This blogger recognizes among the hopefuls Vladi Blayberg but also names Niki Goldstein, Liran Notik and Hila Ben David are known names in Eurovision circuit. Hila Ben David - Beautiful Julietta - Fantasia Lihi Griner & DJ Omri Segal - Just Like Me Vladi Blayberg - New Day Eric Forman - Livin' One Time Kathleen Reiter - Ad Elay Hen Cohen - Halev Mevakesh Moran Mazuz - Give Me A Sign Bezalel Raviv - No War Ortal ...